74 NovaMan's 65 Convertible VW Beetle

[74NovaMan]

Posted this in the tech section:

http://www.bangshift.com/forum/forum/bangshift/tech-section/1007211-do-you-replace-tires-based-on-age

We are trying to figure out if we need new tires for the 65 Beetle project. I have 4 new appearing tires on the car (no spare) but they are made in Brazil so they lack the DOT date codes you would expect on domestic tires. From the history of the car, we believe that it was stored inside and not driven in winter conditions. The little bit I read about tires "aging out" had a lot to do with UV damage which I don't believe has been an issue for this set of tires. I would like to just buy a spare and roll the dice but we are planning Power Tour in this for this year so I am looking for some opinions and logic one way or another. We can get new tires (5) mounted and balanced for under $400 but the 2-3 year plan needs these tires (wide whites) at 160-195 each when we do the paint with color change. we are planning Java Green with color matched rims.

[Deaf Bob]

I put the brand new, never used spare from my 90 Suburban on the rig and got a couple thou miles if that before it went to Kingdom come..
It had rust marks where it sat in the wheel well, that part is still on the tire, but the rest that was in the sun just went to pieces.. No cover either..
How bad do you want to put this car in a ditch? .. Plus you are going on Power Tour.. You know what is involved..

[Beagle]

the last blowout I had was from an old tire and while I couldn't have put four of them on the truck for 400.00 (closer to 700) it would have been cheaper than the body repair needed after the flopping rubber "clearanced" the fender. All of my cars always drive better with new tires, very noticeable. I'd call it a good investment if for no other reason than safety... nevermind how inconvenient and embarrassing it is to be changing a tire while all your buddies are driving by.

[1972Behemoth]

Looks like fun! We are thinking about doing one for our youngest girl. We played around with a Manx back 20 years ago. Chris, do you have any words of wisdom as we begin our hunt?

[G-Motive]

peace love & happiness

replace the tires

[74NovaMan]

Looks like fun! We are thinking about doing one for our youngest girl. We played around with a Manx back 20 years ago. Chris, do you have any words of wisdom as we begin our hunt?

I am new to the VW scene (this is our first) so I'm not much help on beetle words of wisdom. Stiney or Affordilac may be better sources on that count. This one found us (was in our neighborhood) and shows all signs of being a fun project and ride.

[74NovaMan]

Here is how my luck works sometime: 3 of the 4 tires are mounted DOT info out #4 is DOT info in. The one I checked yesterday was the only one with the DOT info in. Go figure. This is what I found tonight:



The money shot (date code wise):



According to TireRack.com that decodes to the 43rd week and the 7th year of the decade. http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=11

It is worth noting that after 2000 the number shown above changed to 4 digits the first 2 being the week of the year and the second 2 are the year.

So best case scenario is 1997 (could be 87 or 77). So at least 18 years old. Wow do I need new tires!

[74NovaMan]

Now the question is do we spring for the wide whites now (part of the 2-3 year color change plan and $900-$1,000) or go with the cheap black tires at about $350? Our current budget for this project will probably dictate the cheaper alternative.

Thanks to everyone for the input. I appreciate it.

[yellomalibu]

I'd stick with the regular inexpensive tires for now. Spend your money on more important things to get ready for the power tour.

[74NovaMan]

I'd stick with the regular inexpensive tires for now. Spend your money on more important things to get ready for the power tour.

That is our current plan. We will probably spend a few $ to blast and paint the wheels though.

[74NovaMan]

Today's project was getting rid of the ancient rubber. I was planning on going to dad's place to use the manual tire tool but I found a place that would do it for $20 including disposal. Since the high today was 20 degrees and the tire tool is mounted to the deck behind the garage, $20 was quite the deal. I'd have paid $10 to get rid of the tires anyway. Ready for the blaster:

[74NovaMan]

Found some stuff to add to the to do list once the car was in the air.

Drivers side boot shows a "recent" replacement. See the fresh puddle on the floor?



That is from this side. Started leaking as soon as it was in the air.



This is a picture of the drivers heater tube. The line going through it goes to an oil pressure gauge under the dash. The passenger side is empty. I'm guessing that I'm missing some ducting that comes from the engine.

[74NovaMan]

Found this fun sticker on the starter:

[74NovaMan]

Some under fender shots:

[74NovaMan]

I am hoping to drop off the rims tomorrow for sandblasting @ $20 ea. After that they will get powder coated or painted. The question is: What color? Choices in play are white (matches the current paint), black (neutral and boring), red (different & possibly usable with the java green final color goal). We are leaning towards red. Here are some examples:





Planning no whitewalls for now for budget reasons. Let us know what you think.